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I don't know how time flew by so fast, but it's the middle of October and I'm scrambling to finish my apps.

For the most part, I have a pretty good idea of my chances at Stanford, but there are two major questions I have. Any advice would be welcome.

Question#1:

My GPA is only average(3.78 UW - 4.13 W), but I have a solid curriculum (1AP,1honor soph. year, 3 APs jr year, and 5APs this year).

Do you think my GPA is competetive enough? When compared to other Stanford applicants, what rank would I place (1-10 scale)?

Despite my decent GPA, I do have high SAT scores (1600 SATI, 780 SATII Physics, 800 Math iic, and I just took writing for first time - I'm anticipating something around 750)

Will my high test scores compensate for my lackluster grades? Or do they seem disproportionate and make it look as though I'm a slacker?

Question#2:

Should I apply ED or RD? Is my GPA good enough to apply ED, or should I wait 'till RD when my senior grades will be available?

Also, how important are the letters of rec? I might need some time to re-connect with old teachers, but the ED deadline is fast approaching and I'm worried I don't have enough time.

Should I rush to get my letters of rec ready for ED, or just wait it out and go RD?

--On a side note, exactly what is the benefit of applying ED?

By Paulhomework (Paulhomework) on Saturday, October 09, 2004 - 07:10 pm: Edit

i recommend that you apply RD, since you can probably use some better grades to boost your GPA.

One bad thing about SCEA is that there's a very slim chance that you'll get deffered, since Stanford rejects around 80% of early applicants.

Since you don't even have your rec letters, i strongly advice that you apply RD. Improve your GPA to 3.8+, and you'll have a pretty nice shot in RD.

** this is just the personal opinion of another hopeless applicant.

By Nngmm (Nngmm) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 04:01 pm: Edit

If you are still in top 10% of your class, you are probably OK. It is more important to have a good application, then an early one - so if you feel that you don't have enough time, apply RD. If you'll get straight As on all those APs first semester, it'll help as well. Your SATs are great, but they alone will NOT get you in.

By Riceaholic (Riceaholic) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 09:52 pm: Edit

Wow, thanks a lot Nngmm. That really brightened my entire month as I take on the daunting apps.

Just out of curiosity, what's more important? Your own personality (expressed through your writing and ECs) or what your teachers say about you (seen in letters of rec)?

By Nngmm (Nngmm) on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:14 pm: Edit

I am not sure anyone can answer that question. There must be something in your application that makes you stand out among the thousands of other applicants with great scores and grades. Make sure your essays are original, and show your personality - don't try to guess, what the adcom wants to hear, instead write a story you want to tell them. As for recommendations - make sure that teachers that write them LOVE you.